Great improvement this past week in all our ensembles! Also, great work this past weekend to our Indoor Percussion and Winter Guard students. A huge thank you to all the parents who helped with lunches and props the past few days, and thank you to everyone who came out to last week’s monthly Booster Meeting. We appreciate your continued support!!

This week we have Honor Band auditions and normal Winter Guard and Indoor Percussion rehearsals. Because of Honor Band auditions, we will have Wind Ensemble rehearsal on Thursday from 3:30-6:00PM working on new festival repertoire. There will be no after-school Concert Band rehearsal this week, but we will resume next Thursday, January 29th. On Friday, we will have Jazz Band rehearsal/sectionals from 3:30-5:00PM. We will have jazz coaches joining us, so make sure you are practicing!

HONOR BAND AUDITIONS TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY!

Thank you to everyone who worked hard preparing and performing their audition excerpts. We were super impressed by the progress that has been happening. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there – and trying is everything!

Honor Band auditions will be held at Cerritos High School – 12500 183rd St, Cerritos, CA 90703

Tomorrow, Tuesday, January 20th – Brass & Percussion
Wednesday, January 21st – Woodwinds

Auditions begin at 5:00PM. Please arrive early with your instrument, music, mutes, and anything else you need. Remember you are a part of GAHR and to represent yourself to the highest of your abilities at all times.

In addition to the excerpts, the auditions will also include some basic sight-reading. Take advantage of times the Band Room is open before school, break, lunch, and after school. Good skill!

FUNDRAISER NIGHT – STRAW HAT PIZZA ON FRIDAY 🍕

Join us this Friday, January 23rd at Straw Hat Pizza anytime from 4:00–9:00PM. Show the flyer and 25% will be donated back to the music program!

TRAILER WRAP SNEAK PEEK!

Thank you again to everyone who supported the program during our Fan Pledge fundraising drive! Your generosity makes a huge impact, and we truly appreciate everyone who helped us reach our goal. Because of your support, we’re excited to share a sneak peek of the proof for our equipment trailer wrap! 👀🔥

INDOOR PERCUSSION & WINTER GUARD PREVIEW SHOW – FEBRUARY 1ST

On February 1st, we are hosting an Indoor Percussion & Winter Guard PREVIEW SHOW in our gym! This performance is a great opportunity for family, friends, and community members to see the incredible work our students have been putting in and to support the program as we head into the winter season. Get a sneak peek before the competitive season begins!

All Winter Guard and Indoor Percussion members should have received an envelope with 10 tickets to sell. Students are able to sell tickets for $10 and the money will go towards their student account. If you sell all your tickets and need more, just see Mr. Loney. All ticket money and unsold tickets are due Thursday, January 29th.

WINTER GROUPS DONATIONS PAST DUE

The 2nd Winter Guard Donation of $225 was due last Friday. Please make sure you are caught up or we will not be able to purchase your costume. All Indoor Percussion students should be caught up with the 1st Donation of $250. If you are able to pay ahead some or all, we would greatly appreciate that so we have funds to continue working on the production.

Want an easy way to support Winter Guard and Indoor Percussion? The next time you’re out at the store, please consider picking up an item from our winter programs wishlist! Every little bit helps, and we truly appreciate your support!

Please turn in the required Parental Consent Form to Mr. Loney if you haven’t already (the last page of the information packet). Review the materials below if you were unable to attend or would like to revisit the information:

Indoor Percussion Packet | Winter Guard Packet | Winter Guard Calendar

ATTENDANCE COMMUNICATION UPDATE

To ensure fairness, responsibility, and consistency moving forward, the following Attendance Communication Policy will now be enforced, effective immediately:

Excused Absences require a minimum of 2 weeks advance notice.
Medical appointments, school events, and family commitments must be scheduled outside rehearsals and performances whenever possible.
Same-day or last-minute messages are not acceptable and will be considered unexcused unless it is a verifiable emergency.
Emergency absences must be communicated by a parent/guardian in writing or an email before the rehearsal begins.
Unexcused absences may result in loss of set drill spot, alternate status, or performance ineligibility.

Excused Absences (with documentation & 2 weeks notice)

Illness (with parent/guardian communication)
Family wedding (immediate family only)
Religious holidays
School-sponsored, graded event (conflicting class performance/competition)

Unexcused Absences

Work
Studying or homework
Babysitting
Driver’s training
Routine doctor/dentist appointments scheduled during rehearsal
Last-minute messages without prior communication
“Not feeling well” without parental communication
Transportation issues

Thank you to the many students and families who already communicate responsibly and plan ahead. These expectations are not a punishment – but rather are about respect for each other and the work we are doing together. Consistent effort and communication are part of what makes this program so successful.

THIS WEEK:

TUESDAY 1/20
6:55AM Band Room open
7:17AM Jazz I & II attendance
3:30-5:00PM Clarinet sectional with Beto
Take instruments & music home after school.
5:00PM Honor Band Auditions at Cerritos HS – BRASS & PERCUSSION
5:00-9:00PM Winter Guard rehearsal

WEDNESDAY 1/21
7:30AM Band Room open to practice
5:00PM Honor Band Auditions at Cerritos HS – WOODWINDS
6:00-9:00PM Indoor Percussion rehearsal

THURSDAY 1/22
NO JAZZ BAND
3:30-6:00PM Wind Ensemble (O Magnum Mysterium, Until the Scars)
5:00-9:00PM Winter Guard rehearsal

FRIDAY 1/23
6:55AM Band Room open
7:17AM Jazz I & II attendance
3:30-5:00PM Jazz I & II rehearsal/sectionals
4:00-9:00PM STRAW HAT FUNDRAISER!